This move is perhaps not that surprising considering if he remains in the post he would be tried for massive corruption in in Strumica. By quitting the post and remaining as an MP, he would essentially avoid being tried due to the immunity all MPs enjoy in Macedonian Parliament.

Besides, there are local mayoral elections in four months time, so his calculating move is the best option for him to avoid going to jail.

The SDSM leader had skipped going to trial for corruption eight times in 2016.

Zaev appointed his right hand Kosta Kostadinov to replace him as mayor until the local elections in 2017.